Perhaps the least respected law in football is the 10-yard rule. In metric terms, it is the “9.15-metre rule.” This is the distance that opposing players must maintain when defending a free kick.

Law 13 (Free Kicks), Section 2 (Procedure) of the IFAB Laws of the Game 2024-25 reads as follows:

“Until the ball is in play all opponents must remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball.”

In 8-a-side football, which is played at U-12 level, the distance is 7 metres, but in 11-a-side football it is always 9.15 metres. This distance is probably familiar to all footballers, as is the rule that the ball must not be played with the hands.

However, it is this distance that everyone is aware of, but no one tries to follow.

When a foul is committed, the referee blows the whistle to award a free kick. It is not uncommon for an opposing player to stand in front of the ball to prevent a quick restart. The attacking player will stretch out his arm and push the opponent, as if to say, “Get out of the way,” which is not a pleasant sight for the spectators. It is only when the referee comes over and warns the defending player to move back that the player finally gets out of the way.

For free kicks close to the goal and in direct scoring position, the “6-7 metre wall strategy” is used together with this “quick restart prevention strategy.” It is obvious to all that the wall is too close to the ball, but they are stalling for time until the referee instructs them to move back.

To deal with this issue, the J. League has introduced a new tool for referees, the Vanishing Spray. This spray, which disappears after one minute, allows the referee to mark the position of the ball and draw a line at a distance of 9.15 metres from the ball.

The very existence of this tool demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the rule and a lack of respect for the referee. Prior to the introduction of the spray, it was a common practice for defending players to deliberately advance the wall, even after the referee had instructed them to move back 9.15 metres. Additionally, kickers would often attempt to gain an advantage by moving the ball when the referee's attention was diverted. To effectively deal with these cheap tricks, the spray has become an indispensable tool.

There are hundreds, if not thousands - some say as many as 8000 - of different types of sports around the world. Of these, many would agree that football is currently one of the most popular sports.

On the other hand, there are many people who doesn’t like football saying “some of the players often play dirty tricks”. Each sport has its own culture and style. However, certain practices that are accepted in football, such as moving further and further forward for throw-ins and deliberately standing close to obstruct or delay free kicks, are among the things that are widely hated. Can we disregard such a viewpoint saying “Oh, that’s part of football”?

It is imperative that the rules are amended to enable the referee to take prompt action against obstructions to free kicks and walls that are too close to the ball, which are clear infringements of Law 13.2 of the Laws of the Game.

But above all, I believe that those who love and play football, whether professionally or not, must be aware that these actions are not only makeshift, vile and ugly, but also diminish the attractiveness / beauty of the game. There needs to be a cleaner approach to football, where players can maintain a respectful distance without resorting to something like a vanishing spray.

Respect for the 10-yard rule could be one of the keys to ensuring that football continues to be loved by people around the world.

Written by OSUMI Yoshiyuki (Football Journalist)

*This article was originally posted on the Japan Football Association Newsletter, “JFAnews,” July 2024 edition.

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